A. T. SCHOFIELD, M.D., ON SCIENCE AND THE UNSEEN WORLD. 63 



Then with regard to automatic writing and communications from 

 the departed, Mr. Stead is a very interesting man ; but against his 

 belief that he has received communications from the late Mr. Myers, 

 I remember to have seen a little while ago a very definite statement 

 from Mrs. Myers that she did not believe any of the alleged 

 communications from her deceased husband had really come from 

 him. However, it is well that all these matters should be investi- 

 gated, and we are, I am sure, deeply indeljted to Dr. Schofield for 

 giving to us the benefit of his thought, observation and experience 

 this afternoon. 



The Rev. Sidney Pike, M.A., said that he would recommend 

 those present to study the ISyi Chapter of Deuteronomy, in which 

 the Israelites are strictly forbidden by God to have any dealings 

 with familiar spirits or a necromancer {i.e., one seeking intercourse 

 with the dead), because all these are an abomination unto the 

 Lord." And the chapter distinctly states by way of warning, that 

 " Because of these abominations " the Canaanites were driven out 

 of their land. There was great danger that in enquiring into 

 the things of the kind they were now considering, they might 

 forget the Scriptural prohibition, and enquire into things for- 

 bidden. 



As to " spiritualistic manifestations " he feared they were from 

 the evil one, and they would do well to remember that the word of 

 God declares : — " In the last days perilous times shall come," and 

 " Some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits 

 and doctrines of demons." Also the Lord Jesus had Himself 

 spoken of " Great signs and wonders, which would," if it were 

 possible, " lead astray even the elect." 



The attempt to forecast the future, as in " clairvoyance and 

 second sight," seems to conflict with the Scriptural statement :— " Ye 

 know not what shall be on the morrow," which God has mercifully 

 ordained, so that the knowledge of the future, whether good or 

 evil, should not unfit us for the present. 



Dr. Vaughan Barber said that with regard to the danger of 

 looking into these things in his opinion this is a view not to be 

 taken. The whole matter must be looked into earnestly and 

 faithfully by competent persons. The results may be of great use 

 even if it be dangerous for the weak-minded to tamper with the 

 processes by which these results are to be obtained and used. 



